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The Red Labs research infrastructure facilitates preparation, analysis, and characterization of soft and hybrid materials for sustainable photonics, advanced energy technologies and novel biomedical applications. Red Labs activities and infrastructure are connected tightly to the PREIN Flagship Programme and they are part of the Finnish Centre of Excellence LIBER and Finnlight infrastructure. Research groups of the Red Labs are also utilizing Tampere Microscopy Center (TMC), which is the university-level infrastructure providing instruments, training and services for researchers in Tampere University and through research collaboration also for other research institutes and industry. 

TAU is currently planning a new laboratory building, Research Hub, to which some of the Red Labs laboratories will also be transferred (in 2025-2026 according to the current plan). This creates unique opportunity to design and develop current and new laboratory space and facilities that fit to the needs of Red Labs research, and potentially also that of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Job description 

Staff Scientists are academic personnel who are responsible for specialist activities related to research, providing support to teaching and research staff. The responsibilities of Staff Scientists involve the use and development of research infrastructures and research equipment. Their individual job descriptions are defined in relation to the University’s strategic needs and include teaching, research, and the provision of services. 

The primary tasks of the Staff Scientist to be recruited in Red Labs include supporting researchers in the use of equipment in Red Labs and partly in Tampere Microscopy Center as well as the maintenance and development of current and new infrastructure and laboratories. In addition, the tasks of the Staff Scientist can include supporting researchers in planning, building, and operating the experimental set-ups as well as in data management. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to work with the different groups that constitute photonics or chemistry activities at the university, especially related to soft-material research. Furthermore, the Staff Scientist is expected to participate in the planning of the Red Labs laboratories and infrastructure in the new Research Hub building.   

Requirements 

· Doctoral degree in, for example, chemistry or related field 

· Education and expertise in soft-material research is appreciated 

· Experience with Red Labs laboratory research and relevant equipment 

· Willing to work as responsible operator of atomic force microscope (AFM)  

· Good scientific writing, presentation, and communication skills in English 

We offer 

The position will be filled on a permanent basis. The appointment is expected to commence as soon as possible, as mutually agreed. A trial period of six months applies to all new employees. 

The salary will be based on both the job demand and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of Staff Scientist is placed on the job demand levels 5-6. In addition, employees receive performance-based salary. 

We offer a high-quality research environment in international research groups. We have good collaborative networks and offer great opportunities for researchers to develop their careers in an international setting.  

How to apply 

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 20 March, 2023 (23:59 EET / UTC +2). Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format. 

Applications should include the following documents: 

· Letter of motivation (max. two pages) explaining how your research interests, skills, and experience are relevant to the position. The letter of motivation may also indicate names and contact details of two referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. 

· Curriculum Vitae according to TENK guidelines  

· List of publications according to Academy of Finland guidelines (please indicate or highlight five publications deemed most relevant for the position) 

For more information, please contact: 

Head of unit, ENS Laboratories and research infrastructures, Pekka Savolainen, pekka.savolainen(at)tuni.fi  

Contact person of Red Labs, Prof. Arri Priimägi, arri.priimagi(at)tuni.fi